*I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall

Kiara the spider keeps trying to make a web that is beautiful, not just practical, and her efforts are repeatedly foiled. Playful language, lovely illustrations, and encouragement to keep trying to create make this a lovely story.

*I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall, illustrated by A.N. Kang, Simon and Schuster, 2024. 32 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8
• Recommended For: Ages 4-8

Spinning webs for Kiara has always been necessary for survival, until one day when she is inspired by a web that is a true work of art and tries to imitate it.

The process is frustrating, and just when she finally gets the hang of a new skill, a passing squirrel crashes through her design. “Hey! I worked hard on that!” Kiara complains, and starts over. Ooh, this time it’s better, but then…someone destroys her work again. And a third time. Kiara is just about to give up, when she meets Orb, the weaver, who invites her to collaborate. Perseverance leads to success, then her own carelessness teaches humility.

As a knitter who always glad to learn something new and is used to , I can appreciate Kiara’s dilemma. As a writer of picture books, I admire Wall’s playful use of words. It’s obvious she worked hard on this story. Kang’s limited palette and artistic style is perfect for this story. Creative readers who know how hard it is to achieve the results they’re trying for will be encouraged by the reminder that the process is just as important as the product, and that working together brings another kind of joy.

Remember, unless a book is starred, a review is not necessarily a recommendation. Read more about our ratings here.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Review: Janie reviewed 3 Picture Books about “How”: The Dictionary Story, The Shape of Things, and How to Make a Picture Book.
• Resource: Building a web is part art, part engineering. Here’s a list for kids who like to build things. Go Build Something! Engineering Books for Boys (and Girls)
• Book Review: Here’s another really fun book, Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion by Dave Eggers.

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